• The refugee experience – personal accounts of life before, during and after the Turkish invasion of 1974.

• Impressions of occupied Cyprus today – accounts given by refugees and second generation Cypriots, of visits they have made to their homeland for the first time since the Turkish occupation.

In the summer of 1974 Turkey invaded and ethnically cleansed the northern areas of Cyprus, in violation of international law and ethical principles of civilised conduct.

To mark 42 years since the Turkish invasion and continued unlawful occupation of one third of the Republic of Cyprus, Lobby for Cyprus is focusing on those often overlooked during political negotiations: the refugees.

Speakers will tell the personal stories of refugees – their memories of life in their towns and villages, the crimes committed by invading Turkish forces, their experiences of fleeing from their homes – and the 42-year-old dream of returning to their lands, free from occupation.

Refugees and second generation Cypriots will give their impressions of occupied Cyprus today. They will describe their experiences when visiting their family homes and ancestral towns and villages, for the first time since the Turkish occupation.

These personal stories illustrate the importance of continuing the fight for justice, to end Turkey’s impunity and to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law.

The event will include an update on the Cyprus settlement referendum Right to Vote campaign.

Part of the Cyprus Week series of events at Theatro Technis, which marks 42 years since the Turkish invasion and occupation of the northern part of the Republic of Cyprus.